Tanzania
East Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Dodoma
- Currency
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Language
- Swahili, English
- Timezone
- UTC+3
- Safety rating
- 6.8/10
- Best time to visit
- June to October for the best wildlife viewing and dry season. January to February for Serengeti calving season. Zanzibar: June to October for the north coast, December to March for the south. Avoid March to May (long rains).
Overview
Tanzania is Africa's greatest wildlife destination — the Serengeti's endless plains where 1.5 million wildebeest migrate, Ngorongoro Crater as the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and the spice-scented paradise of Zanzibar island with its white beaches and turquoise Indian Ocean. Tanzania is simply extraordinary.
Visa requirements
Tourist visa required for most nationalities. East African Tourist Visa (valid for Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania) costs USD $100 for 90 days. Standard Tanzanian visa is USD $50. Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz or on arrival.
Safety information
Exercise normal caution. Dar es Salaam has petty crime in busy areas. Safari regions and Zanzibar are well-monitored and generally safe. Malaria is present — consult your doctor about prophylaxis before travel. Always use insect repellent at dawn and dusk.
Travel tips
Multi-day Serengeti safaris require a significant budget — but it's worth every dollar. Budget for park fees (significant in Tanzania). Zanzibar Stone Town's narrow alleys, spice tours, and sunset dhow cruises are cultural highlights beyond beach life. Kilimanjaro requires 6–8 days and hiring a licensed guide team is mandatory.